Next student president opens up about family, AI, and the saxophone

Share: In middle school, Alfredo Martinez Sandoval had a dream that he was playing the saxophone. In high school, the saxophone became his connection to the city of Pasadena through the Tournament of Roses parade, which set his path in motion to become the incoming president of the Associated Students of Pasadena City College.  “I fell in love with saxophone,” he says, sitting on a shady bench in front of the Shatford Library. “I had a dream about playing it one time, and due to …

‘Hit Man’ psychs itself out of doing more than perfecting the rom-com

Share: Before he was a hotshot in “Top Gun: Maverick” or a hunk opposite Sydney Sweeney in “Anyone But You,” Glen Powell appeared in director Richard Linklater’s “Fast Food Nation” as Paul Dano’s character’s classmate almost 20 years ago. Although “Fast Food Nation” was a lackluster effort for Linklater and far from a star vehicle for Powell, their fourth collaboration, “Hit Man,” makes up for lost time by aiming higher than most rom-coms. Loosely based on a 2001 article from Texas Monthly, “Hit Man” follows …

‘The Acolyte’ actualizes the promise unfulfilled by Disney+ ‘Star Wars’

Share: While newly-minted chief creative officer Dave Filoni smashes his action figures together and creates nonsense like “Ahsoka,” newest kid on the block Leslye Headland has delivered “The Acolyte,” one of the most narratively interesting “Star Wars” projects in a long time. From the offset, this show sets itself apart from the same old same old in the galaxy far, far away and focuses on an era of “Star Wars” that has, until now, been relegated to external media: the High Republic. The era overall …

Showing pride in yourself: One student’s challenge of legally materializing her identity

Share: Jaclyn Butac is a Pasadena City College student studying child development and behavioral science. She also identifies as a female of trans experience, and in 2023, she began a giant step of getting her name and gender marker legally changed.  “If you think stuff like changing your name or getting the proper care that you need to feel more aligned with yourself is impossible, it’s not,” Butac said. “You have a lot of support, and there are people who are willing to listen to …

‘Blue Beetle’ scribe leaves students buzzing over Latinx cinema

Share: From the pages of comic books to the silver screen, “Blue Beetle” made its way to theaters in August of last year. It deeply resonated with audiences through its family-focused narrative that parallels writer Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer’s own story.  On Thursday, May 30, students filled the auditorium in room 101 of the Center for the Arts building. Aspiring filmmakers and writers alike were eager to expand their knowledge of filmmaking and the intricacies of screenwriting from Dunnet-Alcocer’s experience.  “So what I really appreciated and what …

PCC Songwriter Showcase: ‘The show behind the show’

Share: On what seemed like a casual Wednesday night, the campus outside the recital hall was drifting with students anxious to go home, but inside everyone was brimming with anticipation as the lights began to dim in unison with all the chatter. The sound crew, event organizers, and songwriters all came together that night to give meaning to a community of students that communicates through art.  “The reason I am standing here,” said music department chairman Zac Matthews, “is because I want you to look …

Successful girl summer: A guide to local hobbies you can put on your resume

Share: As the days get longer and the temperature rises, summer offers the perfect opportunity to explore new hobbies or rediscover old passions. Whether you’re looking to unwind, get active or learn something new. There are plenty of activities and hobbies that are perfect to fill the time of a PCC student that can also be very beneficial. 1. Content Creation If you love to find ways to channel your artistic side, digital content creation is more accessible than ever. Along the lines of photography …

Get your summer art’d by visiting LA’s myriad museums

Share: Los Angeles, home to Hollywood stars and sunny beaches that also has plenty to offer for art lovers! Whether you’re a student looking to dive deep into the art world or just looking to explore on a weekend you have off, the museums and temporary installations of LA are waiting for you.Here are some to visit:  Permanent Museums:  The Getty Center:  The Getty Center is a great resource for students in Los Angeles, it has a diverse collection of artworks, stunning architecture and a …

New building woes: The shrunken science structure U won’t fit in

Share: Professors in the natural sciences division at the May Board of Trustees meeting raised concerns that current designs for the new U building would not provide sufficient office or lab space to accommodate the classes moving in upon its completion. “So regarding the concerns over the office space, we have been assigned a space of five and a half by six feet which we would argue is inadequate to serve our students,” biology professor Richard Lie said at the meeting. In a separate unlisted …